MOULTRIE, Ga. — Union Grove House of Prayer Church of God in Christ will celebrate its first Homecoming at 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 13.

All former church members and friends are invited to attend this event to celebrate and reminisce. This year’s theme is “You Can Always Come Home.”

The Homecoming speaker will be Elder Benjamin Love of Valdosta, Georgia.

Formed more than 80 years ago, Union Grove House of Prayer (formerly known as Union Grove) has its beginnings on Tallokas Road in Moultrie. Land was donated by Thomas Bridges, a successful businessman who lived in the community to build a school and a church for the people who lived in the Tallokas Road area. Most of these families did not have adequate transportation to travel back and forth to town on a regular basis. Therefore, the church and school being built in the community created an opportunity for people to learn and worship with their friends and neighbors instead of having to travel a long distance.

For about 70 years, the church remained on Tallokas Road until a new building was needed to accommodate the growth of the congregation. A church was purchased within the city limits of Moultrie and services began in 2004.

In 2015, the church moved to its current location and the name was changed to Union Grove House of Prayer Church of God in Christ.

Tracy Bridges, the event chairperson, invites all former members of Union Grove to “come home” and reconnect with other former and current members. During the service, former choir members will reunite to sing some of their favorite songs from their era. There will also be an opportunity for people to share about how the teachings of the church and the friendships formed at the church has impacted their lives. The day will conclude with a photo session to capture memories of the occasion and some good food cooked by the resident grillmaster.

Union Grove House of Prayer COGIC is located at 1001 First Ave. S.W. in the former Southwest Georgia Community Action building. Elder Joshua L. Jones Sr. is the senior pastor.

For details, contact Tracy Bridges at (229) 456-1396, Rosie Hancock at (229) 454-3909, or visit the church’s Facebook page (Union Grove House of Prayer COGIC).